Chiefs Quarterback Questions Won't Slow Offensive Line

by Joel Thorman on Sep 11, 2009 4:24 PM CDT in 2009 Kansas City Chiefs Campaign

Alleman_medium

One of the under-looked aspects of the question marks at quarterback as the Kansas City Chiefs prepare for the Baltimore Ravens is how the offensive line is taking everything.

Continuity (Thanks, Herm) plays a bigger role in the offensive line's preparation than any other position group. It's rarely a lineman doing his job against the defender without regard for what his line-mates are doing. It really is a unit in the truest sense of the word.

Tyler Thigpen being behind center rather than Matt Cassel or Brodie Croyle presents a different set of issues for the line. For some players, Thigpen's mobility (and to a degree Cassel's as well) is a good thing. Damion McIntohsh seemed to respond well to the implementation of the ArrowSpread last year while others struggled.

As the Chiefs prepare for the Ravens, new guard Andy Alleman says the indecision at quarterback shouldn't affect he or his teammates too much.

Alleman spoke to reporters following practice and Todd Feeback of the Kansas City Star has a video up. You can view that here. Below, I've taken notes on what Alleman had to say.

Do you feel pretty good going into the first regular season game?

"We feeel good. This team works very hard. Coach stresses being well conditioned and working hard. We've had a good week of practice and it should be exciting getting ready to go this weekend."

Scheme-wise, are things starting to fall together?

"Yeah, definitely. There's been a lot of transition over the last few weeks but obviously things are starting to fall into place and you can really tell over the last couple of practices things are starting to click and the offense is starting to click, especially, it seems."

Does the question at quarterback hurt you cohesion-wise?

"I don't think so. That's one of things we leave up to management. As a player, you can only take care of yourself.

"As an offensive line, you try to look out for each other and do the best you can as a unit and go with whatever decision management makes."

Do you like the talent level on this team?

"We'll have to find out. That's what everybody asks every year so we'll find out soon enough."

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"Do you like the talent level on this team?"

His answer to this question I take as the PC of way saying, “Talent? What talent?”

Welcome to Chiefs REBUILD - Version 2.0 /The Clark Hunt Edition
Chiefs will be lucky to go 4-12 in 2010

by KansasCityShuffle on Sep 11, 2009 4:31 PM CDT reply actions

Yep that scares me

If you watch the video, you can see he subconsciously shakes his head no. Amazing what non-verbal cues can tell you about what someone is thinking.

by Vince D on Sep 11, 2009 4:34 PM CDT up reply actions

It doesn't seem that scary

Not “Talent? What talent?” but "I don’t wana say anything that the Ravens could put up on their bulletin board like Flacco did earlier this week for the Chiefs. Alleman is a smart guy in front of the camera and knows better than to say that the Chiefs “are gonna go out to Baltimore and pluck out the Ravens’ feathers and roast ’em on a spit” while on camera…but I can.

The Chiefs are gonna go out to Baltimore and pluck out the Ravens’ feathers and roast ’em on a spit!!!!

Go Chiefs!!!!!

The future is ours KC Chiefs fans!!!!!
N. Gift

by giftedchiefsfan on Sep 11, 2009 4:54 PM CDT up reply actions

You can make an arguement

in several different directions from this video,I dont necesarily think he’s subconsciously thinking no.

by Bestofthewest on Sep 11, 2009 4:58 PM CDT up reply actions

Any word on who's starting at RT?

All of these new lineman are hard to straighten out.

by Aperture on Sep 11, 2009 4:35 PM CDT reply actions

depth chart says ndukwe

and i would guess that’s probably the case since he’s been practicing with us longer than the other guy.

by Vince D on Sep 11, 2009 4:39 PM CDT up reply actions

Looks like it'll be Ndukwe

Unless the Chiefs pull a fast one on us.

Arrowhead Pride

by Joel Thorman on Sep 11, 2009 4:39 PM CDT up reply actions

The Report Was...

that several positions would be decided today at the Friday post-practice coaches meeting. I’m wondering if O’Cal will start at RT????

The future is ours KC Chiefs fans!!!!!
N. Gift

by giftedchiefsfan on Sep 11, 2009 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions

As is, I can see O'Cal' coming in if they want to drop back and pass,

like Pitt did against Tenn last night. Can’t say enough good about how Tomlin coaches. Doesn’t impose what HE wants on the team, but ALWAYS sees the main chance and take it. That exhibition last night was pure street ball, with your best guy at QB…

(Fantasy guy on NFLN is predicting Ray Rice is a great starter for FFL. Says KC sucked on run D last year and will suck on run D this year “I don’t see a great improvement this season against the run. Start Ray Rice. He’s a big name this year in fantasy…”)

Grammar police note (just to help you as you go pro, Joel):

Object of the preposition is “him,” not “he,” and the pronoun always follows the noun.

shouldn’t affect he or his teammates too much.

should be “shouldn’t affect his teammates or him too much.”

No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.

by hmills110 on Sep 11, 2009 4:59 PM CDT up reply actions

That Joel, him is a professional.

Chiefs go 9-7. LJ makes 1400 yards. DBowe makes 1200 yards. Defense #18.

by Zodeman on Sep 11, 2009 6:03 PM CDT up reply actions

Doh!

Lol

Braccae illae virides cum subucula rosea et tunica Caledonia-quam elenganter concinnatur!

by Buck'O on Sep 11, 2009 9:14 PM CDT up reply actions

I should go on further to say

Everytime this guy has gotten in front of a camera he’s carried himself very well. He’s an intelligent guy and I can see why Pioli traded for him

Welcome to Chiefs REBUILD - Version 2.0 /The Clark Hunt Edition
Chiefs will be lucky to go 4-12 in 2010

by KansasCityShuffle on Sep 11, 2009 4:39 PM CDT reply actions

And much as they talk about how long it takes to gel as a line...

I think it’s MORE about how good those 5 guys are. Period. Smart coaching, smart players… The only issue with the new guys is knowin’ the playbook. I think the talent is significantly improved over the last week, and the guys they’ve brought in are all familiar with the blocking schemes and system of offense (Erhardt-Perkins, according to my teachers on AP.).

I would argue that the “unit cohesion” issues with the O-Line are mostly mythical, although it’s considered sacrilegious not to bow your head in prayer when someone says how important unit cohesion is. People mistake the difficulties involved in getting all 5 guys to play well as individuals with a difficulty in their learning how to play as a unit.

Of course, it’s natural for me to make this kind of argument, as a homer, but I’ve been thinking this for quite awhile

Consider this from Alleman:

“As an offensive line, you try to look out for each other and do the best you can as a unit and go with whatever decision management makes.”

Maybe a tinge of Brian Waters discontent in there, but I really do think that good linemen who “get it,” are just like that. The minute a veteran is signed, he knows who his bruthus are, and it’s them against the world, my bruthuhs. Oh, to have been a fly on the goalpost while the new guys were gettin’ worked-in this week.

I’ve seen it in music numerous times, when a group struggles to do much, one guys leaves, and another guy comes, and the new guy gets it. Suddenly you’re not struggling, anymore. Not that he’s learned every song, but he came in knowing most of your setlist, and just generally understands music.

No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.

by hmills110 on Sep 11, 2009 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions

Completely off topic

Nooooooo not a daddy yet!!! But that’s what I want.

Ready to trade the Club in for a corner table at Chucky Cheeses

These are LJ Tweets. Is he gonna be a dad? Is he even married? Girlfriend?

And so, Craig finds himself leaping from blog to blog, striving to put right what once went wrong, and hoping each time that his next leap, will be the leap home.

by craig in calgary on Sep 11, 2009 4:43 PM CDT reply actions

Who cares

Welcome to Chiefs REBUILD - Version 2.0 /The Clark Hunt Edition
Chiefs will be lucky to go 4-12 in 2010

by KansasCityShuffle on Sep 11, 2009 6:06 PM CDT up reply actions

Run baby run

As the Chiefs prepare for the Ravens, new guard Andy Alleman says the indecision at quarterback shouldn’t affect he or his teammates too much.

That to me means Ravens will get a very heavy dose of LJ + Charles + Battle. I see them sticking the rock in the RB’s + screen plays + wildcats.

Regardless of who is QB – the O-line is ready to run block probably 60-75% of the game plan.

Predictions as of 06.24.2009.

Larry Johnson will be a top 3 fantasy pick once again in 2010 (after a monster season in 2009.)
Dwayne Bowe will be a 2009 Pro Bowl selection.
Brandon Flowers will have at least 6 INTs in 2009 season.
Todd Haley will have a sideline shouting match caught on TV yelling at one of his asst. coaches.

by 58 was my friend on Sep 11, 2009 5:43 PM CDT reply actions

You have to pass to set up the run going against the Ravens. One of the best run Ds in the league.

Have to get on top and score on them early and get the initial pressure off of the offense.

by Chiefsfan1970 on Sep 11, 2009 9:57 PM CDT up reply actions

It won't slow the O-line down....

…Unless they hit rock bottom and begun to dig. Can’t get much slower than what they are now. They look like they are standing still right now.

by Ren on Sep 11, 2009 7:12 PM CDT reply actions

His shaking of the head had nothing to do with saying no

Think about when you have been asked a question you didnt want to give the correct answer to or give away a trade secret. :)

Winning begins with Attitude - 2009 Chiefs 12-4

by Lanier63 on Sep 11, 2009 10:01 PM CDT reply actions

I'd bet they're sick of being asked that question.

They probably get asked it all the time, and it’s not exactly a bright subject to begin with, and annoying as hell to always have it thrown in your face. Also, having the company line to stick with has to make it pretty boring as well.

by Archyrr on Sep 12, 2009 1:10 AM CDT reply actions